I’m having a problem with a spark core chip antenna model. I last used it sometime last year (at that time I successfully programmed it via the web interface) and don’t remember what state I left it in so I’ve downloaded the spark-cli tool set and have attempted to restore it to factory defaults by following the article titled ‘Perform a Full Firmware Upgrade’. My spark-cli is up to date as of this posting and spark --version reports 1.0.0.
I placed the device in DFU mode by pressing both buttons, releasing reset and continuing to hold mode until the multicolor LED started blinking yellow at a medium pace. At this time the faint blue LED near the USB connector is also lit.
I then issue
spark flash --factory tinker
During which time the blinking yellow slows slightly. After spark flash command indicates ‘File downloaded successfully’ and the multicolor LED immediately returns to blinking yellow at a medium pace, no reboot happens.
I then issue
spark flash --usb cc3000
During which time the blinking yellow slows slightly. After the spark flash command indicates ‘File downloaded successfully’ the multicolor LED begins to blink slowly magenta. After blinking magenta it goes solid green, solid blue and then back to medium yellow. The faint blue LED is still lit.
I then issue
spark flash --usb tinker
During which time the blinking yellow slows slightly. After the spark flash command indicates ‘File downloaded successfully’ the multicolor LED breathes white once and then flahes blue.
I then issue
spark setup
The cli proceeds to ask for my SSID, security mode and passphrase. After I enter them the multicolor LED goes off, then solid blue, then solid green, then medium blinking green. At this time I see the spark core issue a DHCP request and start to send multicast traffic on my LAN using the address the DHCP server gives it. The multicolor LED then starts blinking very quickly white (using the green and blue diode segments) with an occasional fast single blink containing just the red diode segment. If left for an extended period of time, just the red segment of the multicolor LED blinks quickly for several seconds, then the unit returns to blinking apparently white (green and blue segments) with the occasional red segment. The unit will never proceed to breathe blue but it does continue sending multicast traffic on my LAN. Needless to say, the build portal at spark.io says ‘Could not claim core’ when I try to claim my core. In testing, I previously removed the core from my account.
I’ve also tried performing a “Deep update” as suggested in the spark-cli guide. After the update, the spark core reboots and behaves as described above. I’ve tried spark keys doctor too with the same results.
At this point, I can hold the mode button to get the blinking blue LED and redo the setup. I can also easily reenter DFU. If I attempt to do a factory reset, the multicolor LED goes from blinking yellow to blinking white to solid white back to blinking white. The reset appears successful and I’m left with a blinking blue LED and am able to redo the spark setup. I’m at a loss as to where to go from here. I can try to setup the Raspberry PI JTAG adapter mentioned elsewhere on the forums if anyone thinks it would be beneficial. That said, I’d need some guidance as to what to do after it is setup.
The spark core behaves the same when plugged in to a 5V 2A adapter and the PC I’ve been using to use the spark-cli. Also, I’ve left it plugged in for several hours and it remains in the same state.
Additional info:
Router: WNDR3700v3 running stock firmware with only the spark core connected wirelessly
Security: None
ISP: Comcast Residential Cable
Modem: Motorola SB6120
I’ve also tried two other wireless routers running DD-WRT and had no success.
I’ve been unable to find these symptoms described elsewhere on the forums and would appreciate some help.
Thanks for your time!